VATICAN CITY, AUGUST 11 (ZENIT.org).- World Youth Day will be
preceded by the 7th International Youth Forum, which will be held in
Rome from August 12-15 and includes youth representation from every
Episcopal Conference around the world. Additional participants
include delegates from various Catholic youth groups, movements, and
associations and people who work with youth pastoral care and will
attend the sessions as "observers". .
The theme of the event, which was organized by the Pontifical
Council for the Laity, presided over the Cardinal Francis Stafford,
was taken from John Paul II's June 29, 1999 letter, which referred
to his pilgrimage to places connected with the history of salvation.
"To all, I say: Let us follow in Christ's footsteps!"
The delegates will write a message to the youth of the world, which
will be read in the presence of the Holy Father during the World
Youth Day.